Some PlayStation 5 users who are registered in the console's beta program received an unexpected update that changes the design of the home with a new layout. The latest PlayStation 5 system software isn't available to the public at the time of writing, but it looks like PlayStation has started testing a new UI feature that aims to make navigating the home screen menus much easier and more user-friendly.
While the latest PlayStation console is now entering the second half of its life cycle, the PS5 still regularly receives new firmware updates. The latest patch arrived last month on March 17th, bringing the console to version 26.02-13.00.00 with some useful new features and improvements. The update, which is now available to all PS5 users, has improved PSSR on the Pro version of the console, enabling sharper and clearer images in select games. It also added new message emoticons and some new Welcome Center features, such as a new Showcase mode that allows users to view the entire Welcome Center background when the PS5 is idle.
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The PS5 Beta update revamped the home screen layout
With major changes and improvements to the PS5, PlayStation often tests them through its beta program. Although the company hasn't made any official announcement beforehand, it looks like a new beta update will be rolling out to select users that will change the layout of the console's home screen. A user on Reddit who said he was enrolled in the beta program apparently received a new update on April 6 with a modified home design. As seen in the post above, the main horizontal section of the home screen is now just for games and the welcome center, while media like the PlayStation Store, PS Plus and more have been moved to a smaller section above and can be navigated with L1 and R1.
With the new layout appearing to be much sleeker, fan response to the redesign has been very positive. One user said it “looks classy,” while another said, “Wow, I love it! Very classy! Some even speculated that the new design could be a sign that themes are on the way. This is by far the most requested feature that PlayStation 5 users have had since the console launched in 2020. Even though PlayStation gave fans special themes for the PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 for the 30th anniversary, many are still begging for additional customization options.
One user pointed out that with PlayStation seemingly pulling back on PC ports, the company needs to “lure” users into staying with the PS5. Earlier this year, a report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier claimed that Sony was “backing off” on bringing its first-party titles to PC. The journalist notes that this is largely in relation to single-player games such as the upcoming ones Saros and Marvel's Wolverinewhich will be the two biggest PS5 exclusives of the year. Although PlayStation has yet to comment on the matter, Schreier speculates that the company's PC ports simply haven't been successful enough to continue the pursuit.
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For those who primarily play PlayStation titles on PC, this is probably the worst possible time to buy a PS5. On March 27th, PlayStation confirmed that it will increase the price of PS5 consoles and the PlayStation Portal from April 2nd. This means that anyone who wants to get a PS5 or PS5 Pro for similar Marvel's Wolverine, Sarosor even Grand Theft Auto 6will have to shell out $599.99 for the digital-only PS5, $649.99 for the standard console with a disc drive, and $899.99 for the PS5 Pro.
Source: Push Square
